The state of adult learning and literacy in Canada

Literacy and essential skills are still a problem for 15% of Canada’s population who find it hard to work with computers or make calculations. The adult learning initiatives help them to recognize, comprehend, analyze, compute information and communicate effectively. It is important to their success and enriches the communities increasing their productivity and wellbeing.

Adult education gained an important consideration when its need was felt through findings of the Council on Learning.

The history of the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)

The CCL used to be an authoritative and independent body which dealt with lifelong education before it stopped functioning in 2012. The non-profit research council was set up in 2004 and assessed the effectiveness of prevailing education system and advised how things can be improved.

The research work helped the Canadian government form policies and initiatives based on solid information. The CCL also developed the Composite Learning Index used to measure literacy rate in Canada. The council also published comprehensive reports on the state of Canadian learning in various areas like post-secondary education, health literacy, lifelong learning and so on.

The Conservative government decided not to continue the grant of CCL from 2010, which unfortunately made up 95% of its funds. CCL stopped its operations in April 2012 with a motion for dissolution.

Present initiatives to improve adult literacy in Canada

The CCL was closed down with an objective of aligning adult learning with provincial conditions for better results. Since then the government has worked with the provinces to develop policies and programs to improve adult literacy.

Currently, the government is working in collaboration with over 400 organizations spread over Canada to facilitate literacy and improvement of essential skills each year. Programs are undertaken to improve the skills of writing, reading, numeracy and document use.

The initiatives also concentrate on developing thinking skills, digital skills, oral communication, and other areas so that they can be effective and successful at their work.

1. New policies and legislation across provinces

Different provinces in Canada have their own legislation, policies, and programs dealing with adult literacy and skill development. For example, states like Nova Scotia and Manitoba have created special acts on adult learning back in 2009 – 2010.

2. Introduction of new programs

The government also runs many programs, which develops literacy and basic skills in adults. Recently Ontario government doubled their funding on adult learning for the coming four years. It sanctioned $185 million which will help 80,000 adults to develop their math, computer and literacy skills. Each year more than 42,000 applicants participate in Ontario’s adult education initiatives.

3. Online workplace programs

The Canadian government has also come up with an online workplace training program implemented by the Restigouche CBDC. It is working with participants from 5 provinces made up of women, indigenous people and minority communities. Employers can use the program to help their workforce to develop critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making.